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‘Jerusalem’ Wins Top London Evening Standard Theater Award

Simon AnnandMark Rylance in Jez Butterworth’s “Jerusalem” at the Royal Court Theater in London.

Jez Butterworth‘s play “Jerusalem,” a three-hour-plus dark comedy, won two London Evening Standard Theater Awards, which were announced on Monday, Reuters reported.

“Jerusalem,” which opened at the Royal Court Theater under Ian Rickson’s direction, was named best play, and Mark Rylance, who portrayed a tax-evading stoner nicknamed Rooster, received the best actor award. Ben Brantley, writing from London this summer, called “Jerusalem” a “great sprawling brawl of a play,” and praised Mr. Rylance for his “astonishing performance.” (A trailer for the show is here.) Mr. Rylance won a Tony Award last year for his performance in the Broadway revival of “Boeing-Boeing.”

Other winners included Rupert Goold, who directed Lucy Prebble’s play “Enron,” which is set to transfer to Broadway in April; and the British comedian Lenny Henry, who received the award for outstanding newcomer in “Othello.” A revival of “Hello Dolly,” at the Open Air Theater in Regent’s Park, was named best musical.

Ian McKellen received a special award for his contribution to British theater.